“[There was] a study done [showing] that the anticipation before you do a trick gives you more dopamine than actually landing the trick. It gives you that shot to be like, ‘Okay, go again. I almost have it. It’s right there.’” –Jesse, 28
Photo Credit: Becka Vance Prince Memorial Skatepark, Oceanside
“Skating is the one thing I’ve had a passion for—the thing I get the urge to go out and go out and go out [and do]. Whatever is going on, if it’s a bad day, and [you] don’t want to be home, you can just go skate.” –Jacob, 20
Photo Credit: Becka Vance Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach
“[I have] a dream job, honestly. I get to be creative on my bike. I get to travel and experience so many cultures and see the world from a different point of view.” –Angie Marino, 34, professional BMX cyclist
Photo Credit: Becka Vance Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach
“During Covid lockdowns, skating was the only thing available. I decided, ‘Oh, maybe I’ll give it a try.’ I used to be a figure skater. [The transition] was pretty easy because balance corresponds to everything.” –Nina, 14
Photo Credit: Becka Vance Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach
“Skating doesn’t owe you anything—you could do the same trick a million times, and the million-and-first try, you’ll fall and bust your ass. You can’t take it for granted, but it’s one of the best escapes from reality.” –AJ Nelson, 28, professional skateboarder
Photo Credit: Becka Vance Chicano Park Skatepark, Barrio Logan
Photo Credit: Becka Vance Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach
“With action sports and in BMX in general, it’s about freedom of expression, so whatever mood you’re in is what you’re going to wear. I would say if you’re gonna wear baggy clothing, make sure you know to tie up one side or cuff them so they don’t get caught in the chain.” –Kevin Peraza, 29, professional BMX cyclist
Photo Credit: Becka Vance Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach
“I try not to care too much about the graphics because [they] always get rubbed away, so I actually try to get a board I’m not a huge fan of.” –Aaliyah, 21
Amelia Rodriguez is a writer and journalist and winner of the San Diego Press Club's 2023 Rising Star Award and 2024 Best of Show Award, she’s also covered music, food, arts and culture, fashion, and design for Rolling Stone, Palm Springs Life, and other national and regional publications. After work, you can find her hunting down San Diego’s best pastries and maintaining her five-year Duolingo streak.
